Jackson, 27, is coming off of a career season with Philly in the team’s first year under former Oregon head coach Chip Kelly, setting new season highs with 82 catches for 1,332 yards and tying his career-best in touchdowns with 9. But rumors began circulating about Jackson’s future with the team this offseason, with the Eagles apparently attempting to trade him before releasing him outright on Friday.

An electric player in college at Cal and considered a first-round talent in the 2008 NFL Draft, Jackson fell to Philadelphia in the second round due to concerns about his size (5-foot-10, 178 pounds) and character. But Jackson has shined since entering the NFL, reaching the Pro Bowl in 2009, 2010 and 2013 while compiling 356 receptions, 6,117 yards and 32 scores in six seasons. He’s also a threat on special teams, with 4 career punt-return touchdowns to his name.

Jackson signed a five-year extension worth $51 million with the Eagles prior to the 2012 season, but began lobbying for a new contract after 2013. This, according to some reports, is what first led Philadelphia to begin shopping him.

But an article published Friday on NJ.com puts some of the blame for Jackson’s release on the Eagles’ concerns about his alleged connections with members of the Los Angeles Crips gang.

NFL teams have become increasingly wary about their players’ possible gang affiliations in light of the murder investigation against former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez in 2013. But Jackson has also been lauded for his off-the-field work, including his foundation that helps disadvantaged youth in the Philadelphia area.

Despite off-the-field concerns, Jackson is sure to be a hot commodity on the open market, and CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora and Sports Illustrated’s Doug Farrar were among the NFL insiders who mentioned Seattle as a possible destination for Jackson:

The Seahawks, 49ers, Jets, Raiders among the trams that had prior interest in DeSean Jackson, FWIW. Have a gut Seattle is a major player

In some respects, the Seahawks would be a perfect team for Jackson to rehab his image. At least there is some familiarity between him and key members of the organization: Jackson was a college teammate of current Seahawks stars Marshawn Lynch and Brandon Mebane at Cal in 2005 and 2006, and Hawks coach Pete Carroll faced him as the head coach at USC.

Seattle is certainly in need of offensive playmakers after losing wide receivers Golden Tate and Sidney Rice this offseason (though Rice has yet to sign with another team after the Hawks released him). Jackson shares a lot in common with Percy Harvin, last offseason’s prized acquisition, and the two would provide one of the most dynamic one-two combinations in the NFL.

Salary cap space will be an issue, however, as the Seahawks look ahead toward negotiating extensions for All-Pro safety Earl Thomas and cornerback Richard Sherman before next season.